Continuing the reflection on Philippians 3:1-14, if my battery was soon to run out there are five big statements that I would be happy to make my closing chapter.
The third: Know the worth of things.
3:7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless…
What things?
Paul is talking about credentials, his status, his standing, his attainments – that which put together would impress people, would open doors.
Michele and I attended the funeral of a 30 year old friend.
Belinda had a disabling condition that saw her with walking sticks from her first steps. Not expected to last more than two years, she crammed a lot of life into her 30 years.
And not uncommon in people who have to wrestle through life with a major disability, Belinda had a stubborn streak. She worked hard (as a teacher to disabled people), she argued strongly, and she did not give in easily.
I sense she worked from an understanding more than is present in most people, of what is worthless and what is valuable. She did not want to waste precious energy and time on that which is worthless.
As a consequence, at her funeral, there were many eulogies, stories and memories of the impact she had made for good and for God on the lives of people; both able and disabled people.
“You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” sang Joni Mitchell to another generation.
Now to be fair, Paul wasn’t declaring that his learning was worthless, nor that his energy was worthless.
It was a case of where is his confidence based, because he says, I more than anyone have a case for basing my confidence in my own pedigree and achievements and energy.
But when it comes to standing before God, these are worthless.
When it comes to acceptance by God these count for nothing.
You see the positive and immovable truth is, you can’t impress God.
You may be able to impress your mates, or your boss, your neighbor or your friends. You may even be able to impress your enemies.
Nothing you can do, or attain, achieve or obtain can impress, distract, surprise God.
Your Heavenly Father simply loves you; he knows everything about you, and he loves you; he wants to clothe you in the righteousness of Christ and he loves you.
Which really leads us to the next point (watch this space)…